The problem with Russia is that its a problem. On virtually every level. Vladimir Putin took a country that everyone hated because of human rights abuse, international invasions, political repression and murder, secret police and all manner of evil; and managed to make it worse. That really took some endeavour. His predecessors had seen to the invasion of all neighbouring countries, chaining them behind the ‘iron curtain’, enforced by nuclear power, military might, secret police and a manner of ‘enforcing’ their will that relied on the KGB, gulags, expulsion to Siberia, killing opponents to the regime, whatever it took.

Michael Gorbachov was different. He was a statesman, a diplomat. He saw the Wall come down in Berlin and the Soviet Union unravel. He smiled while it happened. Happy that Russians would perhaps know something of the ‘freedoms’ that had eluded the previous 4 generations. Or 79 generations if you include the Tzars who also lacked any kind of ‘democratic fairness’.

Then came Vlad. Twice. And this time with a vengeance. Its like ‘Putin 2; The Sequel!!’ And under his watch came good things. Like the murder of Litvinenko. The invasion of Ukraine and now, the bombing of every living civilian in Syria. And all about a definition.

When the Russians sent their bombers to Syria, in accordance with American and UN wishes, it was to ‘fight terrorism’. Which the Americans and British were already doing, out in eastern Syria where ISIS were tucked in. Yet Putin’s planes didn’t bomb there. They were over in the West of that fine nation, bombing Aleppo. Hmmmmm. But you’re supposed to be bombing ‘the terrorists’, Vlad? I am, he cried. I’m bombing the rebels who attack Assad’s power, isn’t that terrorism? Ahhh, well that’s a different kind of ‘terrorism’ altogether and we’re not so concerned about that one because Assad’s a bad man. I know, said Vlad, that’s why I love him and will support him. So now we’re on the verge of World War 3.

On Sunday John Kerry (no less!!!!) came all the way over here to speak with Boris about Russia!!! We must DO SOMETHING. But after 17 hours realised there was nothing they could do. Without starting that war. And although no-one wants that, you had to redefine the term ‘toothless’ in the aftermath of that great ‘summit meeting of the haircuts’.

They don’t have freedom of speech in Russia. They don’t have freedom of anything. Not allowed. State controlled. Like the drugs for athletes and international computer hacking. Instead of free speech they have Russia Today (RT), the Kremlin based international tv station. Which is Putin’s propaganda machine.

So Nat West bank yesterday said they were closing the RT UK bank account. Hah! That’ll show those Russians. Right. As they immediately threatened to close the BBC accounts in Russia and report the UK for breaching freedom of speech issues. Ironic? Clever? No. Just fucking Russian.

They’re not dangerous because of the bombs, they’re dangerous because they are so clever and have not a care for how people view them.

Happy Tuesday

A xxxx